Evaluation of tapered-end toothbrushes regarding subgingival access efficacy

The purpose of this in vitro study was to determine how two toothbrushes with highly tapered-end bristle designs compared to a conventional, slightly tapered toothbrush. Toothbrushing was carried out in the laboratory in order to evaluate the simulated subgingival efficacy of the three toothbrush designs. The performance of the three brushes was assessed by measuring the "subgingival regions" of gold-coated typodont left maxillary central teeth where the gold coating had been removed during brushing. The two toothbrushes with highly tapered bristles were statistically significantly (p < 0.01) more effective in removing the gold coating than the conventional toothbrush with slightly tapered bristles on the subgingival area on the anterior typodont teeth.